Looking for a job? Step away from the computer. Walk out the door. Talk to people. Put in some face time. Learn the art of the schmooze.
Yes, we realize that the Internet is a good place to start your job search. And yes, social networking sites are useful for filtering job opportunities, as are employment message boards. And personal blogs and websites can get your professional skills publicized. But once you’ve winnowed the listings and established your credentials, it’s time to plug in to the human element.
Did we say human? Yes, indeed. You see, the individual doing the hiring is a real person, not a machine. An actual human being will ultimately decide whether you are a good fit for the job.
We understand that establishing human connections can be daunting for anyone, much less the generation of IT geeks who were putting up websites written in PHP before they were potty trained. It’s scary to let go of your computer and actually talk to a real person, ask for a meeting, request an interview, seek a connection. But hiring managers want to know more than your skill set. They want to know whether you can fit into their corporate culture, whether you have interpersonal skills that make you a pleasure to work with and an asset to any organization.
The sad truth is that about 92 percent of Gen Y members hunt for jobs online only. That means they’re missing a lot of opportunities. To rely only on the Internet is to significantly reduce your chances of landing your dream job, according to Bob Prosen, creator of the Career Accelerator Program.
How do you get started looking for a job sans computer? Dan Schawbel, managing partner of Millennial Branding, offers this advice.
1. Look for people in your field who are willing to sit down in an informal meeting and discuss trends, job opportunities, and in-demand skill sets. Informal face time will get your name out and about among people who are in a position to recommend you for jobs.
2. Attend practice interview sessions. Colleges, careers centers, and job fairs often host informal interview sessions that let you hone your skills and prepare you for the real thing.
So keep talking to real people, face to face (no, we don’t mean on Facebook). In time, you may even come to like it.